What are the 7 major marathons? The current World Marathon Majors list
If you’ve ever heard runners casually drop “I’m chasing the Majors,” this is what they mean: the Abbott World Marathon Majors, now a seven-race series that’s become the sport’s most recognizable bucket list.
For years it was “the six” — and plenty of people still say “Six Star” out of habit. But the lineup changed in late 2024, when Sydney was announced as the seventh Major starting in 2025. That’s a big deal. It reshapes travel plans, training calendars, and yes, bragging rights.
The 7 major marathons (Abbott World Marathon Majors)
The seven races currently recognized as World Marathon Majors are:
- Tokyo Marathon (Tokyo, Japan)
- Boston Marathon (Boston, USA)
- TCS London Marathon (London, UK)
- BMW BERLIN-MARATHON (Berlin, Germany)
- Bank of America Chicago Marathon (Chicago, USA)
- TCS New York City Marathon (New York City, USA)
- TCS Sydney Marathon (Sydney, Australia) — joins as a Major from 2025
What changed? In November 2024, Abbott World Marathon Majors announced Sydney as the seventh member of the series, with Sunday, 31 August 2025 flagged as its first running as a Major race.
If you’ve been planning a “six in six years” (or “six in one year” if you’re built different), the goalposts just moved a little.
What makes a marathon a “Major”?
It’s not just crowd size or a pretty skyline. The Majors label is tied to the Abbott World Marathon Majors series — a global, championship-style circuit built around the sport’s highest-profile city marathons. These races typically share a few traits that matter in practice:
- Elite competition that consistently attracts the fastest marathoners on earth.
- Mass participation at scale — huge fields, deep charity programs, and an “entire city shows up” vibe.
- International demand that makes entry a project, not a formality.
- Operational excellence — logistics, course management, and spectator experience are seriously polished.
And yes, there’s a cultural layer. When runners say “Major,” they’re talking about the races other runners actually recognize instantly. No explanation needed.
The 7 Major Marathons, explained (what each one is known for)
1) Tokyo Marathon
Tokyo kicks off the Majors season for a lot of runners, and it’s a clean, high-energy introduction to racing in Japan. The course showcases modern Tokyo and big-city efficiency—aid stations, signage, transport, all of it. It’s also a classic “make a trip of it” marathon: people plan food tours, shrine visits, and a second suitcase for souvenirs.
2) Boston Marathon
Boston is pure tradition. It’s the one with the famous point-to-point route and the late-race pain that catches overconfident runners—yes, that stretch. The prestige isn’t just marketing; Boston’s identity is tied to performance standards and a long history that makes it feel like a rite of passage.
And the crowd noise? Loud enough to mess with your pacing. Seriously.
3) London Marathon
London is the “iconic landmarks per kilometer” marathon. It’s also one of the best spectator races on the planet—packed pavements, relentless cheering, and a finish that feels like a stadium moment even if you’re not racing fast. It’s a race that makes people emotional, which sounds cheesy until it happens to you.
4) BMW BERLIN-MARATHON
Berlin has a reputation: fast. Flat, smooth, and built for people who want to run their best marathon. It’s the race that turns “maybe I can” into “oh wow, I actually did.” If you care about a personal record, Berlin is usually the first Major you look at.
5) Chicago Marathon
Chicago is another pace-friendly course in a city that knows how to host. Big streets, big energy, and a route that keeps you engaged as the neighborhoods shift. It’s also a popular “first Major” for international runners because the logistics are straightforward and the vibe is welcoming.
6) TCS New York City Marathon
New York is not subtle. Five boroughs, bridge climbs, and nonstop crowds. People talk about “the NYC roar” like it’s weather—and that’s not far off. You’ll feel it. It’s the Major that turns a marathon into a moving street festival, and it’s why so many runners want it even if they don’t expect a fast time.
7) TCS Sydney Marathon (Major from 2025)
Sydney is the new kid in the Majors club, officially announced as the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major in November 2024. Its first year as a Major is set for Sunday, 31 August 2025. The appeal is obvious: it’s a world-class destination marathon in a city people already want to visit, now with Major status attached.
And if you’re building a Majors strategy, Sydney changes your map. It’s no longer just “Europe + US + Tokyo.” Australia is in the mix.
Major marathons and travel: the part people underestimate
Training is hard. Travel can be harder. Flights that land two days before race day, jet lag math, unfamiliar food, and the tiny panic of realizing your phone plan won’t work when you need to coordinate with friends at the expo. It’s not dramatic. It’s just real life.
If you’re running a World Marathon Major abroad, staying connected matters—race-day messages, navigation, last-minute updates, and meeting your support crew after the finish. That’s where an eSIM can be the quiet hero. zetsim, for example, sells travel eSIM plans for many destinations and can be installed before you fly, so data is ready when you land.
Quick reality check: Most runners don’t think about connectivity until they’re standing outside packet pickup trying to load an email. Don’t be that person.
How runners get into the World Marathon Majors
There’s no single entry method across the seven majors. Each race has its own rules, deadlines, and quirks. But the common paths look like this:
- Time qualification (especially famous for Boston, but other races also have time standards or “good for age” categories).
- Lottery/ballot (common for high-demand races).
- Charity entry (fundraising for partner charities—often the most meaningful way in, but it’s work).
- Tour operators and travel packages (helpful when you’re traveling internationally and want logistics handled).
- Club, sponsor, or partner allocations (varies by race and country).
And yes, people stack strategies. A lot of people do. They’ll apply for a ballot and line up a charity backup, then decide based on outcomes. It’s not sneaky. It’s survival.
When do the major marathons take place?
The Majors are spread through the year, with a heavy concentration in spring and fall. Exact dates change annually, but one date is now particularly noteworthy:
- Sydney’s first year as a Major: Sunday, 31 August 2025 (announced with its addition to the series).
If you’re planning your season, treat each Major like a major trip too—because it is. Book early. Build buffer days. Don’t land the night before and pretend it’s fine.
FAQ: 7 major marathons (7W1H)
What are the World Marathon Majors?
The World Marathon Majors are a global marathon series (Abbott World Marathon Majors) built around the sport’s most high-profile city marathons. The series now includes seven races: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York City, and Sydney (from 2025).
Which are the 7 major marathons right now?
Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York City, and Sydney. Sydney was announced as the seventh Major in November 2024, with its first year as a Major scheduled for 31 August 2025.
Who organizes the World Marathon Majors?
The series is organized under the Abbott World Marathon Majors umbrella, coordinating the championship-style circuit around these marquee events.
When was Sydney added as the 7th Major?
Sydney was announced as the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major in November 2024, with its first running as a Major set for Sunday, 31 August 2025.
Where are the 7 major marathons held?
They’re held across three continents in these cities: Tokyo (Japan), Boston (USA), London (UK), Berlin (Germany), Chicago (USA), New York City (USA), and Sydney (Australia).
Why do people want to run a Major marathon?
Because the experience is different: huge crowds, deep competition, world-class organization, and a sense that you’re part of something bigger than your own finish time. Also, it’s a clean goal. Seven races. Seven cities. That’s a storyline you can actually follow.
How do you register for the major marathons?
Registration depends on the race, but common routes include time qualification, lottery/ballot, charity entry, and travel operator packages. Many runners apply through multiple paths to improve their chances.
Will the World Marathon Majors add more races after Sydney?
The series has expanded before and just added Sydney for 2025. Whether it adds more races in the future depends on Abbott World Marathon Majors decisions and the evaluation of candidate events.
A simple next step (if you’re planning your first Major)
Pick one Major that matches your real goal. Not your fantasy goal. Want a personal best? Look at the flatter, faster courses. Want the most electric day out? Choose the one that turns the whole city into a party. Then plan the entry route early and treat connectivity like part of your race kit—because it is.
